SEOUL, South Korea — Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early Sunday, days after he was apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul.
Yoon’s arrest could mark the start of a prolonged period of detention, potentially lasting months or longer. He faces a prison sentence over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
The decision to arrest Yoon sparked unrest at Seoul’s western district court, where dozens of his supporters broke in and rioted, destroying the main gate and windows. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields which they managed to keep away from the police. Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and glass doors. They shouted to see the judge who issued the warrant, but she had already left.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed and nearly 90 protesters were arrested. Some injured police officers were seen being treated in ambulances. The court said it was trying to confirm whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to its facilities.
A court deliberated for 8 hours
After eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcement’s request to issue an arrest warrant for Yoon, saying he posed a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his lawyers appeared in court on Saturday and argued for his release.
Yoon, who has been in custody since being apprehended Wednesday during a massive law enforcement operation at his residential complex, faces potential rebellion charges related to his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law , which triggered the most serious political crisis the country has experienced since its creation. democratization in the late 1980s.
Although South Korean presidents enjoy broad immunity from prosecution while in office, this protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
The Senior Officials Corruption Investigation Bureau, which is conducting a joint investigation with the police and military, can now extend Yoon’s detention to 20 days, during which time it will forward the case to prosecutors for indictment.
Yoon’s lawyers could also file a motion to challenge the court’s arrest warrant.
Yoon’s court appearance sparked chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his staunch supporters gathered for hours to demand his release. Even before the court issued the arrest warrant for Yoon, protesters clashed several times with police who arrested dozens of them, including around 20 who scaled a fence in an attempt to escape. approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they left the court after arguing for Yoon’s arrest.
Yoon’s lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed hearing Saturday. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies have presented opposing arguments over whether he should be detained.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several senior military commanders have already been arrested and charged for their roles in enforcing martial law.
Yoon’s lawyer denounces his arrest
The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break the legislative deadlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to overcome a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted for his dismissal on December 14.
His political fate now rests in the hands of the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon’s lawyers, called the court’s decision to issue the warrant “the epitome of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law,” confirming Yoon’s assertion that which his decree of martial law was a legitimate act of governance. He highlighted the chaos at Seoul’s western court and said Yoon’s arrest would spark more anger from his supporters.
Yoon’s People Power Party regretted his arrest but also pleaded for his supporters to refrain from further violence.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which led the legislative effort to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, said his arrest would be a “cornerstone to restore the collapsed constitutional order.” Kim Sung-hoi, a lawmaker and party spokesperson, called for harsh sanctions against Yoon’s supporters who broke into the court.
“I urge the police to firmly enforce the law so that the forces supporting the rebellion never again think of causing unrest,” he said.
The country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, expressed “deep regret” over the court violence, saying it “directly undermines democracy and the rule of law.” He called for increased security at sites linked to Yoon’s case and measures to ensure order during protests.
Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and presidential security services, to attend the court hearing ahead of the ruling on the arrest warrant.
The motorcade entered the court’s basement parking lot as thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered in nearby streets amid a heavy police presence. After the hearing, Yoon was taken back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. He did not speak to reporters.
After its investigators were attacked by protesters later Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to mask the faces of its members attending the hearing.
Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate
Yoon and his lawyers say the declaration of martial law was intended as a temporary and “peaceful” warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority. Yoon says troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate allegations of voter fraud, which remain unfounded in South Korea.
Yoon stressed that he has no intention of stopping the operation of the legislature. He said the troops were sent there to maintain order, not to prevent lawmakers from coming in and voting to lift martial law. He has denied allegations that he ordered the arrest of key political figures and election officials.
Military commanders, however, described a deliberate attempt to seize Parliament, which was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped lawmakers enter the assembly, as well as the reluctance or refusal of troops to follow Yoon’s orders.
If prosecutors charged Yoon with rebellion and abuse of power, allegations currently being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before his trial.
If the first court convicts him and sentences him to prison, Yoon will serve this sentence until the case is brought to the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court. Under South Korean law, organizing a rebellion is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
